Wednesday, 23 December 2009

Skylink Home Surveillance Systems Too Easy To Go Wrong

By Jeff Wray

Everybody's concerned with security these days, and it's no wonder. We're living day to day bogged down with reports of crime from news outlets online, on TV, on the radio, and in print. With all the insanity in the Outside World, it can be reassuring to set up one of the many home surveillance systems available today.

If you're trying to keep your business secure, then you're going to have to rethink what you're buying. Most businesses are surrounded by other businesses; if you're closed, the other stores are, too. No one will be around to call the cops.

Skylink states that their SC-100 model is ideal for home or business use, but the two are not easily joined. When it comes to this model, it's OK for home use, but for business? It's not going to work.

But the question remains: does it even measure up to that standard? By looking a little closer, we can develop a conclusion of our own.

Simple Install, Easy Use

Many home surveillance systems can be as expensive as $200, maybe even more. The Skylink SC-100 is only $115, by comparison. Its alarm rings at 120 decibels, which should be plenty noisy to scare off most intruders. It's easy to install, as well: you simply put motion sensors on your doors and windows. These sensors then run the alarm when exposed to movement. The alarms are pretty sharp, so very few movements will be undetected.

Many of the cheap systems suffer from hypersensitive sensors. The alarm will sound even if a car just passes by outside. Skylink has included a "rolling code" feature to help cut down on this problem.

Weak And Easily Removed

The Skylink SC-100 also has its setbacks. First of all, motion sensors and an alarm are literally all you are getting with this product. The inability to open your doors or windows without entering in a passcode is a definite turn-off, and can lead to mistakenly triggering the alarm even when you are trying your best to disarm it quietly. The loud noise is going to annoy the neighbors eventually.

Another problem is the fact that real thieves can uninstall your sensors just as easily as you set them up. It's a good idea to try hiding these sensors in a hard to see but no less audible location. The other issue is that they are easy to break, too, which is of major assistance to any would-be thieves.

My Opinion: Get More For Your Money

Low prices usually equal low quality, and this product is no exception. An alarm just by itself usually won't deter the more determined intruders, especially if they are cunning enough to disable your alarm. In other words, don't just get the Skylink. As one part of a bigger system, it could be useful.

If you're looking to protect your family, then honestly why not pick up another of the many home surveillance systems out there that may be more expensive, but at least have the features to do the job right?

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